Microscope with a handle and/or hand grip for a microscope

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a hand-grip with a grip part ( 10 ) which can be detachably fastened on a microscope housing ( 12 ), the mounting and dismounting being possible with a single-handed movement with the gripping hand. The hand-grip is fashioned and positioned such that it permits operation of the microscope in all directions with only one hand.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims priority of the Swiss patent application1897/00 which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to the hand-grip on a microscope—from itstype of fastening on the microscope housing, on the one hand, and fromits number and from the location of the fastening, on the other hand.

[0003] In particular, it relates to a hand-grip for a microscope whichcan be fitted in an ergonomic and comfortable way on a microscope whichis suspended on a suitable moving stand such that the microscope canalso be moved under sterile conditions in space. Such movements includethe directions up/down, forward/back, sideways, rotate, pivot, incline,etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Conventional hand-grips have become known in the most variedforms and mounting types. They are mostly screwed in pairs (left andright) on the microscope housing, or constructed on rods which arefastened on the pivoted support of a microscope and therefore move thelatter only indirectly.

[0005] When controlling a microscope, the user lays his two hands on thegripping pieces of conventional hand-grips, if appropriate actuateselectric switches or the like, in order to release brakes or the like,and then moves the microscope by muscular force into the desiredposition. In the case of particularly smoothly mounted microscopes suchas, for example, surgical microscopes on a special stand (OHS) from theapplicant, skilled users can carry out most movements of the microscopeeven with one hand, since the electric switching elements are arrangedon both hand-grips—left and right.

[0006] In a fashion comparable to a motor bicycle handlebar—the pairwisehand-grips frequently extend horizontally so that a user can apply themicroscope between his spread hands.

[0007] However, this disadvantageously results in use being made by thehand-grips of a space which is free per se. Chiefly in the case ofbuilt-on accessories with assistant terminals, this leads to spaceproblems for assistants. Above all, the hand-grips fastened on rodsdisadvantageously increase the overall weight of the microscopestructure which must be borne by the stand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore the object of the invention to find an improvedgrip arrangement or configuration which avoids the problems mentioned.

[0009] This object is achieved by means of the features of claim 1. Thereplacement of two hand-grips by one hand-grip which is fitted, or canbe detachably fitted, at a central point of the microscope body andextends in at least two space directions of the coordinate system, leadsfirstly to a substantial weight reduction, and secondly to thepossibility of operating the microscope with only one hand. The spaceproblems mentioned for the assistants are thereby eliminated. Theextension in at least two space directions provides the user with theoption of applying various pivoting movements with only one hand andapplying favourable leverages in the process.

[0010] The single-handed operation according to the invention by meansof a single hand-grip makes it easier for the user to vary the positionof the microscope while simultaneously using the other hand for otheractivities.

[0011] Conventional hand-grips are more or less ergonomically shaped inorder to permit a good grip for the operating staff.

[0012] However, even in the case of use of only one grip, it can beproblematical, as is already the case with conventional pairwise grips,that in the course of operation they may be in the way after having beenused to adjust the microscope. This occurs, for example, when aplurality of persons are working about the microscope, or when positionsare adopted for which the operator requires the space where the grip islocated.

[0013] A second object on which the invention is based is thus toimprove this problem. This object is achieved by creating a hand-gripwhich can be detached from the microscope body. Since the ergonomy andthe speed during detachment are to be kept generous, it is preferredaccording to the invention to provide single-handed operation.

[0014] However, the invention is not limited to detachable single-handedgrips. Rather, it also comprises variants with pairwise hand-grips whichcan be detached according to the invention individually or in common.

[0015] According to the invention, in the case of the detachablehand-grips a mounting part is constructed on the grip piece andcooperates with a holding piece or with a matching formation of themicroscope housing.

[0016] Of course, the invention also comprises all interchangedformations (male exchanged with female).

[0017] According to the invention, all known detachable connectingmechanisms are available for the connection between hand-grip andmicroscope housing. To that extent, the invention is not limited. Whatis decisive is the possibility of easy single-handed detachment of theconnection mechanism. Mounting elements are preferably applied asclamping levers, tommy levers, mounting screws or mounting nuts withsteep threads or other elements which require only a few or onlyfractions of revolutions in order to lock or to unlock such as, forexample: bayonet closure parts (male or female) or the like.

[0018] According to the invention, this comprises both variant solutionswhich require two fingers for operation or, in particular, also thosewhich manage with one finger. Operation by means of the thumb ispreferred in this case, because this finger can generally apply thegreatest force.

[0019] Specific built-on accessories are advantageous in which use ismade of clamping levers which in one position define the fixing, and inthe other position define the detachment. Such clamping levers can beoperated with particular speed and—when operated with the thumb—permit ahigh closing or detaching force.

[0020] Theoretically, single-point fastening suffices if the mountingpart bears tightly against the microscope housing. However, in the caseof one design the invention preferably provides multipoint fastening inthe case of which a latching point is provided in addition to a lockingpoint. The latching point can have, for example, a latching pin or ashaft, which pin or shaft engages in matching recesses such that thegrip part can be pivoted into the locking point after the connection ofthe latching point.

[0021] The invention also renders it possible for the first time tomount hand-grips over a drape. That is to say, a microscope, whichcannot be sterilized optimally as a rule, can be fully protected throughthe drape, and a hand-grip which can be optimally sterilized is fittedthereover. In order to render this possible, in a particular design ofthe invention a sufficient travel (play) is provided between themounting part of the hand-grip and the holding piece on the microscopehousing.

[0022] In order to compensate tolerances, elastic or spring-loadedelements are provided in a particular design.

[0023] The design of the grip according to the invention is based on theknown setting of tasks and solutions, there being a novel addition ofthe possibility according to the invention of using the grip as asingle-handed operating grip. That is to say, only one hand can be usednot only to detach and mount the grip, but also to guide the microscope.Consequently, it is advantageous when the grip is curved downwards,since this serves the purpose of ergonomic manipulation, on the onehand, but also the possibility of applying pivoting forces, on the otherhand.

[0024] The hand-grip is preferably selectable from a range ofdifferently shaped grips, in order to accommodate as far as possible thecomfort of the respective operating staff. This has not so far beenpossible at all with permanently mounted grips.

[0025] In accordance with a further development, the hand-grip alsocomprises electric operating elements which can be connected to thecircuits on the microscope housing via plug-in contacts in the region ofthe mounting part. These plug-in contacts are preferably integrated suchthat the electric connection is performed simultaneously with themechanical connection.

[0026] The strength according to the invention of the novel conceptcomes to bear, in particular, when there is more than only one point onthe microscope housing which serves for grip mounting, because then thecorrect mounting site can be selected depending on what is required. Andthis is so, in particular, even under conditions of an operation, wherequick reactions and short changeover times are important.

[0027] The invention is not limited to self-closed or force-closedconnections between hand-grip and microscope housing. Rather, pureclamping connections are also conceivable, in the case of whichsatisfactory connecting forces can be applied by means of clampingfriction or static friction. Detachment is performed in the case of suchbuilt-on accessories by a jerky movement, for example.

[0028] A typical variant would be, for example, an adhesive connectionby means of magnetic force which is applied in the form of permanentmagnets or of electromagnets.

[0029] The invention and its variant developments can therefore be usedto take better account of the requirements, for example specifically inmicrosurgery, in ear, nose and throat surgery and in all other,including industrial, applications of microscopes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention is to be explained in more detail by way of examplewith the aid of drawings, in which:

[0031]FIG. 1 shows a microscope as held, for example, pivotably on astand, with a novel hand-grip;

[0032]FIG. 2 shows a section along the line A-A of FIG. 3 of the novelhand-grip;

[0033]FIG. 3 shows a novel hand-grip in a view from above;

[0034]FIG. 4 shows a holding piece which can be fastened on a microscopehousing;

[0035]FIG. 5 shows an oblique view of a hand-grip according to theinvention;

[0036]FIG. 6 shows the comparable hand-grip according to FIG. 5, butseen from the microscope side;

[0037]FIG. 7 shows the hand-grip of FIG. 6 in an oblique side view inthe premounting position;

[0038]FIG. 8 shows the hand-grip of FIG. 6 in an oblique rear view;

[0039]FIG. 9 shows the hand-grip of FIG. 6 in an oblique rear view withclosed spindle, and

[0040]FIG. 10 shows the hand-grip of FIG. 6 in an oblique front view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Identical components bear the same reference numerals in thefollowing description of the figures, while different components beardifferent reference numerals.

[0042] Different components having the same functions bear the samereference numerals with different indices.

[0043] The figures are described as a whole.

[0044] A microscope body 12 with a main objective 8 has at a centralpoint a holding piece 3 which is constructed on the microscope body 12or is permanently connected to the latter, for example by screws infastening bores 15 (FIG. 6).

[0045] The holding piece 3 serves to a hold a mounting part 11 with thegripping part 10 of the novel hand-grip. A plurality of such holdingpieces could be mounted on the microscope body or on the pivoted supportor on the stand or at other locations. The holding piece 3 has twobearing pins or a shaft 2 at the upper end of the holding piece 3, and athrust bolt 5 at the lower end of the holding piece 3.

[0046] Both the shaft 2 and thrust bolt 5 and, if appropriate, also theexternal shape of the holding piece serve the purpose of holding amounting device 13 of a mounting part 11 of the hand-grip. The mountingpart is connected in one piece to a gripping part 10 which permits anoperator to vary the position of the microscope.

[0047] The mounting device 13 comprises a vice-like spindle 4, which,for locking purposes, has a slot 7 which cooperates with the thrust bolt5 and clamps the latter if the spindle is rotated about its axis. Theslot 7 has for this purpose side walls which lock the thrust bolt 5against the detaching direction in the mounted position. At the sametime, however, the spindle 4 is mounted in a thread which is designedsuch that when the spindle 4 is rotated in the locking directionpressure is applied to the thrust bolt 5 in its axial direction, as aresult of which the mounting part 11 clings to the holding piece 3.Provided for this purpose are two half bearings 1 aligned with thespindle 4 in the mounting device, which cooperate with the shaft 2 inthe mounted position. They have for this purpose shell-shaped recesses14 which can pivot about the shaft 2, as is illustrated in thecomparison of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8.

[0048]FIG. 8 shows the spindle 4 in the state in which the slot 7 isready to accept the thrust bolt 5, while FIG. 9 shows that spindleposition in which the thrust bolt 5 is locked.

[0049] The spindle 4 can be operated by a clamping lever 6 whichprojects from the mounting device 13 in the direction of the grippingpiece 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the clamping lever can beoperated without a problem with a finger, for example with the thumb, inorder to permit the spindle 4 to be locked or unlocked with the aid ofthe thrust bolt 5.

[0050] Locking Operation:

[0051] The half bearing 1 of the mounting device 13 is mounted in aslightly inclined position from above onto the shaft 2 of the holdingpiece 3 and then pivoted slightly downwards to a stop such that thespindle 4 of the mounting device 13 comes to lie under the thrust bolt 5of the holding piece 3. If the clamping lever 6 and, with it, thespindle 4 are rotated by approximately 90° in this position, the sidewalls of the slot 7 of the spindle 4 lock the thrust bolt 5, and thebase surface of the slot 7 presses from below onto the thrust bolt 5.Consequently, on the one hand the half bearing 1 is pressed onto theshaft 2, and on the other hand a self-closure is produced with thethrust bolt 5, as a result of which the holding grip is fixedpermanently on the holding piece 3.

[0052] Other elements (not illustrated) are also conceivable asspindles, for example eccentric cams, wedges, etc. The spindle 4 or thethrust bolt 5 can be sprung in order to compensate a travel or play, ortolerances—for example when the holding grip is to be mounted over adrape.

[0053] The gripping pieces 10 b in accordance with FIG. 2-FIG. 5 differfrom the remaining gripping pieces 10 a, which are distinctivelyconstructed in the shape of a banana with structured surface. Thelightweight design of the gripping piece 10 b provides a cutout 9 tolighten the weight and, as may be gathered from FIG. 2, is hollow.

PARTS LIST

[0054] 1 Half bearing (part of a bearing for inserting a locking part)

[0055] 2 Shaft

[0056] 3 Holding piece

[0057] 4 Spindle, vice-like

[0058] 5 Thrust bolt

[0059] 6 Clamping lever

[0060] 7 Slot

[0061] 8 Main objective

[0062] 9 Cutout

[0063] 10 Gripping piece

[0064] 11 Mounting part

[0065] 12 Microscope housing

[0066] 13 Mounting device

[0067] 14 Recess, shell-shaped

What is claimed is:
 1. Microscope with a handle for varying the positionof the microscope on a pivoted support, characterized in that instead ofa pair of hand-grips there is provided at a central point of themicroscope housing (12) a single hand-grip which has a spatial extent inat least two space directions.
 2. Microscope according to claim 1,characterized in that in the position of use the grip part (10) hasa—possibly curved—extent in horizontal and vertical directions, and/orin that the hand-grip is of mirror-image construction about a planethrough the axis—possibly curved—of its extent.
 3. Microscope, inparticular according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that thehand-grip can be removed and fastened without tools.
 4. Hand-grip for amicroscope, having a grip part (10) and a mounting part (11) formounting the grip part (10) on the microscope body (12) and a mountingdevice (13) on the mounting part (11), characterized in that itcomprises a holding piece (3) which can be mounted on the microscopebody (12), or in that the mounting device (13) is constructed such thatit can cooperate with a matching formation on the microscope body (12),the mounting device (13) comprising a mounting element (6) which can beopened or closed with one hand by a hand on the grip part (10), suchthat the mounting device (13) and thus the hand-grip can be connected toor released from the microscope body (12) directly—or indirectly via theholding piece (3).
 5. Hand-grip according to claim 4, characterized inthat the mounting element is constructed as a clamping lever (6) or as atommy lever or as a mounting screw or mounting nut, or as a bayonetclosing part, which project from the mounting part (11) such that it orthey can be operated with one or two fingers of one hand on the grippart (10).
 6. Hand-grip according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in thatthe mounting element (6) can be operated with one finger—preferably bymeans of the thumb.
 7. Hand-grip according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the mounting element or the clamping lever(6) is connected to a vice-like spindle (4) which has on its free endface a slot (7) which cooperates with a pin-shaped thrust bolt (5) ofthe holding piece (3), or with a corresponding projection on themicroscope housing (12) such that pivoting of the mounting element orclamping lever (6) leads to self-closed clamping or releasing of thethrust bolt (5) on or from the mounting part
 8. Hand-grip according toone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding piece (3)or the projection on the microscope housing (12) comprises a shaft (2)or at least one bearing bolt which cooperates with a matching formationon the mounting part (11) such that closure of the mounting device (13)produces an at least two-point latching of the mounting part (11) on theholding part (3) or on the projection on the microscope housing (12). 9.Hand-grip according to one of the preceding claims, characterized inthat to compensate tolerances the mounting device (13) has at least oneeccentric cam, toggle lever, wedge or the like.
 10. Hand-grip accordingto one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mountingdevice (13) or the mounting part (11) has at least one spring-loaded orone elastic element, or is of elastic construction.
 11. Hand-gripaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thetravel (play) between the mounting part (11) and holding piece (3) orprojection of the microscope housing (12) is selected such that thehand-grip can be mounted over a drape such that the drape can be clampedbetween the mounting part (11) and holding piece (3) or the microscopehousing (12).
 12. Hand-grip according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the mounting device (13) and holding piece (3) areinterchanged. (10). Hand-grip according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the grip part (10) is of banana-shapedconstruction and preferably curved downwards in the mounted position.13. Hand-grip according to one of the preceding claims, characterized inthat at least the grip part (10) is coated or constructed antiadhesively(lotus blossom effect) and/or in a sterilizable fashion.
 14. Hand-gripaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grippart (10) has electric switching elements for microscope control, and inthat the mounting part (11) has electric plug-in contacts for connectingto the circuits on the microscope body (12).
 15. Hand-grip according toone of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be selectedfrom a series of differently shaped hand-grips of which the mountingparts (11) are identically shaped, but the grip parts (10) aredifferently shaped—in particular in order to take account of differenthand sizes and/or to take account of a left or a right gripping hand.16. Hand-grip according to one of the preceding claims, characterized inthat more than one holding piece (3) is provided, which can be mountedat more than one point on the microscope body (12) or on parts of thestand or at other locations.
 17. Hand-grip according to one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that it is constructed in alightweight fashion as a hollow body, preferably made from light metalor plastic.
 18. Hand-grip for detachable mounting on a microscope body(12), characterized in that it has latching elements (4, 7, 13) whichcan be latched to or unlatched from matching mating elements (2, 5) onthe microscope housing (12).
 19. Hand-grip according to claim 16,characterized in that the latching elements are constructed such that inthe mounted state they have clamping friction and/or force-closed orself-closed active forces.
 20. Microscope having a microscope housing(12) and a hand-grip with a grip part (10), characterized in that it ispossible via a single-handedly operable mounting device (13) for thehand-grip to be removed from the microscope housing (12) or connected tothe latter by a matching single-handed mounting movement.